Abstract: Examples of systems and methods are provided for a hybrid electrical system for supplying power to an external load. The system may include an external load bus configured to be coupled to an external load. The system may include a first bus coupled to the external load bus. The system may include a first battery coupled to the first bus. The system may include a second bus coupled to the first bus and the external load bus. The second battery may be coupled to the second bus. The second battery may have a higher extracted specific power output value than the first battery and a faster energy transfer rate than the first battery.

Abstract: A liquid propellant supply system (10) according to the invention is electrical in nature and avoids the need for a gas generator and a turbine assembly. In particular, the system (10) includes an electrical power source (12), a controller (14) and a motor (18) for driving the pump (20). The electrical power source (12) provides electrical power sufficient for high power, limited duration applications such as for launch vehicle applications. For launch vehicle applications, the power source (12) is preferably capable of providing very high power for at least 60 seconds. A number of different types of electrical power sources may be employed in this regard. For example, the power source (12) may include high energy density batteries, supercapacitors, or counter rotating flywheels. Multiple counter rotating motors may be employed in order to minimize precessional forces.

Abstract: The invention is a method of recharging a thermal battery after it has been activated and at least partially discharged and the battery is still at a temperature where the electrolyte is still active. The method comprises the step of at least partially recharging the battery prior to the battery temperature reaching a level where the electrolyte becomes non-active. The method optionally may include insulation or supplemental heater system about the thermal battery.

Abstract: The invention is a method of recharging a thermal battery after it has been activated and at least partially discharged and the battery is still at a temperature where the electrolyte is still active. The method comprises the step of at least partially recharging the battery prior to the battery temperature reaching a level where the electrolyte becomes non-active. The method optionally may include insulation or supplemental heater system about the thermal battery.

Abstract: The invention is a thermal battery system. In detail, the battery system includes housing. A plurality of battery cells containing an electrolyte that is in a non-operating condition at ambient temperatures and in an operating at condition at elevated temperatures is mounted within the housing. A wire heating assembly is mounted within the housing for heating the electrolyte to operating temperatures, upon the application of electric power thereto. Preferably, the heating assembly comprises a plurality of heating coils wound about the battery cells.

Abstract: A hand held garden implement (FIG. 1) for refilling a furrow, requiring only one hand for operation, and allowing the operator to stand and walk fully erect. A handle (11) is attached into a receptacle (12) on a cover plate (13) which is connected to an inclined and converging scraper (14) which is connected to a bottom plate (15). Dirt is lifted up and into the tool as well as being pushed by it. Dirt then traverses the scraper towards the centerline of the tool, and is deposited into the furrow. The bottom plate then smoothes out and levels the deposited dirt.